The problem that is identified in this capstone is the curbside diversion rate in New York City. One data set that exposes the problem is the “ Annual Report: New York City Municipal Refuse and Recycling Statistics: Fiscal Year 2012” (nyc.gov). The data set shows that the Department of Sanitation is diverting 16.2 from curbside collections. Curbside Collections is defined as 90% resident, 10% from institutions. The refuse is metal, glass, plastic, and paper.

I can verify the data set since it is a primary document obtained from the Department of tTrash, mMetal Sanitation. However, the data set is from looking at diversion rates in New York City from Google.

What this data set shows is that a significant portion of refuse is being placed in the trash instead of containers with the iconic blue and green labels. The system's failure is can be based on multiple factors such as residents arnot be uing aware of whether the refuse is collections. Curbside, glass or plastic, or paper., and not enough incentives to place refuse in the proper container.

A question arises; - is the problem a result of lack of information or placing responsibility on the consumer instead of the Department of Sanitation to enforce it?